5 Tips to Keep Your Toothbrush Truly Clean
Disinfecting and maintaining cleanliness
are some of the most talked-about topics these days, in light of the
Covid-19 pandemic. One of the items that should always be kept in
pristine condition, no matter what time of the year it is, is the
toothbrush. Appropriate cleaning, storage, and replacement of
toothbrushes are extremely important to prevent the spread of diseases
and maintain oral hygiene. The following tips detail the best ways to do
so.
How Toothbrushes Get Contaminated
Mouth - Out mouths are home to millions
of germs, including those that live in the plaque or on our teeth, such
as those responsible for the development of dental caries (cavities)
called M. Sutans. Moreover, they come in contact with saliva, blood,
oral debris, and toothpaste. It’s no surprise that some of these germs
can collect on your toothbrush and be transferred or re-introduced into
your mouth during brushing. Even visibly clean toothbrushes can retain
some leftover potentially harmful germs.
Environment - Many people keep their toothbrush in the same space
the toilet is found. When the toilet is flushed, the swirling water that
removes waste from the bowl may mix up with small particles of the
waste, containing bacteria called fecal coliform. According to studies,
this bacteria can spread as far as 1.5 feet, and it’s perfectly possible
for it to travel to your toothbrush. The same is true about the sink -
bacteria and viruses could potentially be spread while you're washing
your hands or other items in the sink.
Below we list several toothbrush storage and cleaning tips that can help
you prevent the spread of germs.
1. Wash Your Hands Before and After Use 
Wash Your Hands is probably something you've heard quite a lot recently.
And it isn’t just a piece of empty advice, the fight against
coronavirus has really put an emphasis on how effectively a simple hand
wash annihilates bacteria. Your hands are the main source of
transmission of germs, bacteria, and viruses because they come in
contact with the biggest variety of surfaces and objects.
Washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds at least, before and after
brushing your teeth is the simplest way to prevent unwanted
microorganisms from ending up on your toothbrush. “People are vulnerable
to the germs that end up on their hands and under their fingernail
beds.” William Martin, President of the Maryland State Dental
Association told Insider.
2. Use Warm Water For Rinsing
Don’t underestimate the importance of
rinsing your toothbrush well after use to remove any remaining food
particles, toothpaste, and plaque debris. Warm water will loosen up the
bristles and remove debris more effectively. Additionally, wipe down the
handle. because bacteria can build up there as saliva and water run
down the brush.
3. Proper Storage is Essential
Correct storage is key when it comes to toothbrush hygiene. Always opt
for air drying it after rinsing, as the bacteria that live on
toothbrushes are anaerobic, which means they die in the presence of
oxygen. It may seem like a good idea to use a cover for the bristles, to
prevent contact with contaminated air particles but that is wrong!
Exposure to oxygen will kill most of the germs, while closed containers
will make them flourish. Instead of covering the toothbrush, keep it as
far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before
and after flushing. Another common mistake is to keep all of the
household members’ toothbrushes in the same holder. This is a popular
habit, but it is actually recommended to keep them separate and at a
distance from each other, as germs also spread from brush to brush.
4. Disinfection 
If you want to take extra precautions, or you happened to drop your
toothbrush on the floor, there is a simple way to kill the germs by
disinfecting it with hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic mouthwash. Hydrogen
peroxide can destroy essential components of germs and deactivate a
wide range of microorganisms, while Antiseptic mouthwash contains
various active ingredients, such as alcohol, menthol, and eucalyptol,
which make it extremely effective at killing bacteria.
Here is how to disinfect your toothbrush with Hydrogen peroxide solution
or mouthwash:
1. Rinse the bristles thoroughly in water after brushing.
2. Place some antiseptic mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide into a small
cup, enough to cover the toothbrush.
3. Soak for about 15 minutes — any longer risks damaging the bristles.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water before using the toothbrush again.
If you want to use a more natural substance, white vinegar or baking
soda solution were found to be effective disinfectants, but they will
not get rid of all the germs, particularly viruses. For the latter, just
mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water and follow the
steps listed above.
5. Replacement
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) toothbrushes should
be replaced every three months, or when the bristles become bent or
frayed. When that happens the bush becomes significantly less effective
at removing plaque.
You may need to stray from that timeline if someone in your household
gets sick. As mentioned earlier, the ill-causing bacteria can
potentially spread to nearby bushes. Naturally, it is best to replace it
after you overcome illness as well, to protect your family, significant
other, or housemates.